Last week the world mourned the death of Blank Panther star Chadwick Boseman. In 2016, Chadwick was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer – he was just 39-years-old.
What are the colon and rectum?
The colon and rectum are parts of the gastrointestinal tract; they absorb fluid from food ingested and store waste before passing it through the anus.
What are some risk factors?
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States. Colorectal cancer occurs when tumors form in the lining of the large intestine. It is common in both men and women. The risk of developing colorectal cancer rises after age 50. If you have a personal history of polyps, inflammatory intenstinal conditions (i.e. Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn’s Disease), sedentary lifestyle, or a diet low in fiber and high in fat there may be increased risks.
What can you do to prevent it?
Because you may not have symptoms at first, it’s important to have screening tests. Everyone over 50 should get screened; however, if you have a family history of colorectal cancer, have had changes in your bowel habits, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, or weight loss, please ask a Safecare Medical Center provider about scheduling a colorectal cancer screening. Tests include colonoscopy and tests for blood in the stool.
Schedule an Appointment
To schedule an appointment or to write us, please call us at 954-454-6300 or email us at contact@safecare.com. Please do not include any personal medical information
Please know, we are available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There is no need to visit the ER or Urgent Care Center – just contact our office line for any urgent or pressing issues after hours and on weekends.